PAUL Crarey wants his Barrow Raiders squad to focus on themselves rather than worry about what the rest of their rivals are doing as the race for the Kingstone Press League One play-offs hots up.

Victory over Newcastle Thunder tonight would near-on ensure the Raiders of a top five finish, with the target then being to make sure of finishing in the top three to secure home advantage for the semi-finals.

But with Toronto Wolfpack suffering a surprise loss on the opening weekend of the Super Eights to York City Knights and York in turn going down 22-20 to Keighley Cougars last Sunday, Barrow head coach Crarey has warned no distractions must be allowed to creep in.

“We've just got to keep winning and look after ourselves, and hold on around second and third position,” said Crarey.

“York getting beaten by Keighley was a big shock after they turned over Toronto, so after a big win you've got to look after yourselves and prepare.”

Despite being pleased to see his side make it back-to-back wins in the Super Eights after holding off Doncaster 14-10 in the pouring rain last Sunday, Crarey felt there were still issues which needed to be addressed.

Chief among those were a sluggish start and game management in the closing stages, which Crarey is eager to see the Raiders players fix ahead of what he expects to be another big test of his side's credentials away to Newcastle.

“In the first half, we were lacking in enthusiasm and we told them at half time we needed a shot of enthusiasm, and they certainly did that,” said Crarey.

“If it wasn't for the last eight minutes, we'd have been in total control at 14-6, but that try opened it up for an exciting finish and we were lucky to get out of there in those lottery conditions with a win.”